United States Coast Guard

RECRUIT TRAINING
POCKET GUIDE

Instruction & Design Branch, Training Center Cape May

4/16/2012
Table of Contents

Guardian Ethos .................................................................................................................. 3

History and Missions ...................................................................................................... 4
Vessels and Aircraft .................................................................................................... 6

Uniforms ........................................................................................................................... 9
Grooming Standards ..................................................................................................... 12
Customs and Courtesies ............................................................................................ 13

Rates and Ranks............................................................................................................... 14

Addressing Personnel ................................................................................................... 16
Pay and Allowances .................................................................................................. 17

Housing ........................................................................................................................... 18
Assignments ................................................................................................................. 19
Flags and Pennants ................................................................................................... 20

Colors .............................................................................................................................. 21
WQSB and Drills ........................................................................................................... 22
Leave and Liberty ...................................................................................................... 23

Work-Life......................................................................................................................... 24
Nautical Terms ............................................................................................................. 25
11 General Orders ..................................................................................................... 26

Suicide Prevention ........................................................................................................... 27

Hazing .......................................................................................................................... 28
Sexual Assault Response ........................................................................................... 29

2
THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ETHOS

I am a Coast Guardsman.

I serve the people of the United States.

I will protect them.

I will defend them.

I will save them.

I am their Shield.

For them I am Semper Paratus.

I live the Coast Guard Core Values.

I am proud to be a Coast Guardsman.

We are the United States Coast Guard.

3
 HISTORY AND MISSIONS

The Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service operating

within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to the safety and
security of the American people.

The Coast Guard traces its roots to the United States Revenue Cutter
Service established by Alexander Hamilton (The father of the Coast Guard)
under the Department of the Treasury on August 4, 1790. The initial laws
establishing the Revenue Cutter Service authorized the building of ten
cutters which were tasked with enforcement of tariff laws and the
prevention of smuggling.
The original ten cutters were named Massachusetts, Scammel, Active,
Eagle, Diligence, Argus, Vigilant, Virginia, South Carolina and General
Greene.

The modern Coast Guard dates to 1915, when the Revenue Cutter Service
merged with the United States Life-Saving Service. President Woodrow
Wilson signed into law the “Act to Create the Coast Guard.” In 1939, the
U.S. Lighthouse Service was added. In 1942, the Bureau of Marine
Inspection and Navigation was transferred to the Coast Guard. In 1967, the
Coast Guard moved from the Department of the Treasury to the
Department of Transportation, which lasted until 2003 when it was
transferred to the new Department of Homeland Security in response to the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The five uniformed services that make up the Armed Forces are defined in
10 U.S.C. 101(a) (4) “The term “armed forces” means the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard.”
The Coast Guard is further defined by 14 U.S.C. 1 “The Coast Guard as
established 28 January 1915 shall be a military service and a branch of the
armed forces of the United States at all times. The Coast Guard shall be a
service in the Department of Homeland Security, except when operating as
a service in the Navy.”

The Coast Guard has a unique blend of military, humanitarian, and civilian
law enforcement capabilities such as:

4
  Maritime Security- We enforce, or assist in enforcing, federal laws
and treaties on waters under the jurisdiction of the United States.
We possess the civil authority to board any vessel subject to U.S.
jurisdiction. Once aboard, we may inspect, search, inquire, and if
need be arrest. The four primary missions performed within the
realm of Maritime Security include:
 Illegal Drug Interdiction
 Undocumented Migrant Interdiction
 Defense Readiness
 Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security

 Maritime Safety- One of the most basic responsibilities of the U.S.

Government is to protect the lives and safety of Americans. In
partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies, we preserve
safety at sea through a focused program of mishap prevention. Our
prevention activities include developing standards and regulations,
plan reviews and compliance inspections, and safety programs
designed to protect mariners. The two primary missions performed
within the realm of Maritime Safety are:
 Marine Safety
 Search and Rescue

 Maritime Stewardship-Protection of Natural resources: America’s

marine waters and their ecosystems are vital to the health, well being
and economy of the nation. Our marine environment is among the
most valuable and productive natural resources on Earth, containing
one-fifth of the world’s fishery resources. The five primary missions
within the realm of Maritime Stewardship are:
 Living Marine Resources
 Marine Environmental Protection
 Fisheries
 Aids to Navigation
 Ice Operations

5
 Polar Class Icebreaker National Security Cutter High Endurance Cutter

Medium Endurance 270’ Medium Endurance 210’ Island class PB 110’

Marine Protector Class PB 87’ WPC Patrol Coastal USCGC Acushnet

USCGC Alex Haley Sentinel Class 154’ 47’ Motor Lifeboat

Response Boat Small Defender Class Response Boat Medium 45’ 52’ Motor life Boat

6
 WYTL Small Harbor Tug WLI Inland Tender WLIC Inland Construction Tender

WLR River Buoy Tender 55’ ANB Aids to Navigation Boats BUSL Buoy Utility Stern Loading

26’ TANB Juniper Class Buoy Tender 225’ Keeper Class Buoy Tender 175’

Icebreaking Tug Bay Class 140’ USCGC Healy Barque Eagle 295’

Off-Shore Patrol Cutter 357’ Long Range interceptor 36’ Over the Horizon IV

7
 AIRCRAFT

HC-130 Hercules HU-25 Guardian

HH-60 Jayhawk HH-65 Dolphin

HC-144A Ocean Sentry Gulfstream C-37A Gulfstream V

8
 UNIFORMS (Operational Dress Uniform ODU)
Operational Dress Uniform: The Operational Dress Uniform is a general
purpose, everyday uniform intended for wear in any situation that does not
require a dress uniform. The Operational Dress Uniform is authorized for wear
while commuting in a private vehicle between the workplace and residence of
the member, including brief non-social stops, such as for gas etc.

Ball cap is required

Unit ball cap is optional

Navy blue crew neck t-shirt

Sleeves may be rolled at option of command, 3”wide
and 2” above elbow
Blouse may be removed at the discretion of the local
command for hot weather comfort
Trousers are Cloth nametape sewn above right pocket
bloused with safety
boots, straight with Cloth U.S. Coast Guard sewn above left pocket
oxford or deck shoes
when authorized. Sewn on cloth devices required

Blousing bands are Most current qualification insignia sewn above U.S.
optional; trousers Coast Guard
can be tucked into Blue utility jacket, foul weather coat, all weather
the boot and parka, or unit provided organizational clothing is
adjusted to appear authorized for outerwear.
bloused.

The bitter end

should be behind
but not past the
first belt loop on
the wearers left.

9
 UNIFORMS (Tropical Blue)
The Tropical Blue uniform is worn to compensate for climate variations. It is
not acceptable at any event where a coat and tie would be required.

Combination cover, garrison cover

Ribbons (top 3, top 9, or all)
Nametag over right pocket ¼ inch
Insignias are centered ¼ inch above the
ribbons
When wearing two insignia, wear the
most recent uppermost, the second
insignia is centered ¼ inch below the
pocket
Belt will be the standard 1 ¼ inch black
web belt with brass buckle. For men,
align the belt so that the tab edge touches
the wearers left side of the buckle. Align
the right side of the buckle with the
opening of the shirt and opening of the
fly, forming a straight line. For women,
the tab edge touches the wearer’s right
side of the buckle

Women may wear the optional blue

dress skirt
Shoes will be black dress for men;
women may wear black pumps or black
dress shoes
Cardigan or wooly-pully sweater,
windbreaker, trench coat or all weather
parkas may be worn as outerwear
There is also the option of an un-tucked
blouse for women.

10
 UNIFORMS (Service Dress Blue)
Service Dress Blue is suitable to wear on all occasions when wearing a uniform
is prescribed or appropriate.

Combination cover
Ribbons (top 3, top 9, or all) over left pocket ¼ inch
Nametag over right pocket ¼ inches
Insignia are centered ¼ inch above ribbons
When wearing two insignia, wear the most recent
uppermost, the second insignia is centered ¼ inch
below the pocket
Belt will be the standard 1 ¼ inch black web belt
with brass buckle. For men, align the belt so that
the tab edge touches the wearers left side of the
buckle. Align the right side of the buckle with the
opening of the shirt and opening of the fly, forming
a straight line. For women, the tab edge touches the
wearer’s right side of the buckle.

Black oxford shoes, optional synthetic high gloss.

Black socks with oxfords for men and women.
Hosiery may be worn with oxfords, pumps or flats
for women.
There is also an optional skirt for women.
Necktie for men is the blue four-in-hand and the
overlapping blue tie tab for women.
May wear windbreaker or all weather parkas in lieu
of the coat except when the coat is more appropriate
for an occasion of formality.

11
 GROOMING STANDARDS
Grooming standards are based on several elements including neatness, cleanliness, safety,
military image, and appearance.

Hair-overall must be clean, well groomed and neat. Hair coloring if used must look natural.
It must not touch the eyebrows when groomed, or extend below the front of properly worn
headgear.

MEN:

Hair above the ear and around the neck will be tapered. Hair on the back of the neck
must not touch the collar. The bulk of hair must not be more than 1 ½ inches from the scalp.

Bulk of no more than 1

½ inches Hair does not fall below
eyebrow
Hair does not touch ear
Hair does not touch
collar

WOMEN:

Haircuts and styles will present a balanced appearance. The hair may touch but not
fall below the bottom edge of the back of the collar. All ponytails and long hair, including
braids, must be neatly and inconspicuously fastened, pinned or secured to the head.
Hairpins, small barrettes, small interlocking butterfly clips, elastic bands,
scrunchies, and small combs in the colors: Black, dark blue, brown, silver, metallic gold or
color similar to the individual’s hair color are authorized.

Bulk of no more than Hair does not fall below

two inches eyebrows or headgear
when worn
Hair must not fall below
bottom edge of collar

Headbands or sweatbands are not authorized. All hair accessories must not add more than
two inches of bulk to interfere with the proper wearing of all style of hats.

Finger nails on women may not extend beyond ¼ inch from the tip of the finger.

12
 CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES
As a member of the Coast Guard, it is very important to demonstrate proper honors at all
times.

PROPER SALUTE: Stand at attention, raise right hand toward forehead

Extend and join thumb to fingers
Raise hand so tip of forefinger touches cover brim in
ball cap and combination cover. In garrison, touch tip
of forefinger above and slightly right of your eye
Hand and wrist are straight at 45 degree angle
Upper arm is parallel to the deck
Once salute has been acknowledged or at the last note of
the National Anthem, drop your arm to your side in the
most direct manner

On board ship, the proper hand salute and greeting will be rendered the first time you meet
that officer during the day. It is dispensed with after the first meeting. You will salute and
greet the commanding officer each and every time you meet him or her.

BOARDING A VESSEL:

When the quarterdeck is on the pier, walk up the OOD, render a salute, and request
permission to go aboard. After the OOD returns the salute and grants permission, walk up the
ladder, face the national ensign and render a salute, then proceed onto the ship.

When the quarterdeck is on the ship, walk up the accommodation ladder (brow, gangway).
Stop when you reach the upper platform, face the national ensign and render a hand salute.
Next face the officer of the deck (OOD), render a salute and request permission to come
aboard. When the OOD returns the salute and grants permission to come aboard, board the
ship.

COLORS
During colors when in uniform and
covered, face the music or the flag and
salute until the last note
When in civilian clothes, stop, come to
attention, and place your right hand over
your heart. If the flag is not in view, face
the music. If covered, remove your cover
and place it over your heart
Active and retired military personnel may
13 salute in civilian clothes
 RATES AND RANKS
RATING:

AET -----Avionics Electrical Technician IS---------Intelligence Specialist

AMT-----Aviation Maintenance Technician
AST------Aviation Survival Technician
BM-------Boatswains Mate
DC-------Damage Controlman
EM-------Electrician’s Mate
ET--------Electronics Technician
FS--------Food Service Specialist
GM------Gunner’s Mate
HS-------Health Services Technician
IT---------Information Systems Technician
ME-------Maritime Enforcement Specialist
MK-------Machinery Technician
MST------Marine Science Technician
MU-------Musician
OS--------Operations Specialist
PA--------Public Affairs Specialist
SK--------Storekeeper
YN-------Yeoman

IV--------Investigator (Reserve only)

RATE:
Rate is the plain language name for an enlisted person, which identifies them by their
occupation and pay grade. An example would be Machinery Technician Second Class
(MK2).

RANK:
Rank is defined as the plain language name for an officer. It is also known as grade. An
example of rank would be Admiral (ADM).

Admiral Vice Rear Rear Captain Commander LCDR Lieutenant LTJG Ensign
Admiral Admiral Admiral
(lower
half)

ADM VADM RADM RDML CAPT CDR LCDR LT LTJG ENS

O-10 O-9 O-8 O-7 O-6 O-5 O-4 O-3 O-2 O-1

14
 Warrant Officer Grade Structure of the USCG
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chief Warrant Officer 3 Chief Warrant Officer 2
W-4 W-3 W-2

Non Commissioned Officer Grade Structure of the USCG

Crossed anchors in the graphics indicate a rating of Boatswain’s Mate
Master Chief Area Command
Petty Officer of CMC/MCPOCG Master Master Senior Petty Petty Petty
the Coast (Reserve Forces) Chief Chief Chief Chief Officer Officer Officer
Guard Petty Petty Petty Petty First Second Third
Officer Officer Officer Officer Class Class Class

(MCPOCG) (CMC) (MCPO) (SCPO) (CPO) (PO1) (PO2) (PO3)

E-9 E-8 E-7 E-6 E-5 E-4

Enlisted Grade Structure of the United States Coast Guard

Seaman Seaman Apprentice Seaman Recruit

(SN)(FN)(AN) (SA)(FA)(AA) (SR)

E-3 E-2 E-1

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 ADDRESSING PERSONNEL
Non-Rated Group (E-1 to E-3):

Formal: Good morning Seaman/Fireman/Airman and last name.

Informal: Good morning and last name.

Petty Officer Group (E-4 to E-6):

Formal: Good morning Petty Officer and last name.

Informal: Good morning Petty Officer and last name.

Chief Petty Officer Group (E-7 to E-9):

Formal: Good morning Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief Petty Officer and last
name.
Informal: Good morning Chief, Senior Chief, Master Chief and last name.

Junior Officer Group (W-2 to 0-4):

Formal and Informal: Mister/Mrs./Miss or Ms. and last name.

When name is not known, use “Sir” or “Ma’am”.

Senior Officer Group (0-5 to 0-6):

Senior Officers will be addressed by their titles of rank.

Good morning Commander Pascucci, Good morning Captain Sinclair.

Flag Officer Group (0-7 to 0-10):

Admirals are addressed by their titles of rank.

Good morning Admiral Papp.

* Commandant is addressed as Admiral.

* Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is addressed as Master Chief.

16
 PAY and ALLOWANCES
Basic Pay: The pay of service members is prescribed by 37 USC 1009 and implemented by
Executive Order. Members are entitled to receive pay according to their pay grades and years
of service.

Basic Pay Reserve: Reserves are entitled to compensation at the rate of one-thirtieth of the
monthly basic pay for their grade and years of service for each regular drill or period of
appropriate duty. A drill is 4 hours long.

Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): Enlisted BAS is paid to members assigned to a
unit with no dining facility or to a unit that does have a government dining facility, but the
member is not required to eat meals there.
Enlisted BAS minus Discount Meal Rate: You receive this if you are assigned to a ship,
Class “A” School, or a shore unit where you are required to eat at the government dining
facility and do not pay for your meals.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): There are a few different types of BAH. The amount
you receive is based on your pay grade, your marital status, and your unit’s location:
 Partial BAH: This is paid to members without dependents who live in the barracks
or on a cutter.
 BAH Without Dependents: Paid to members without dependents who are required,
or have permission to live in the economy.
 BAH With Dependents: Paid to members with dependents who DO NOT live in
government owned or leased quarters.
 BAH Differential: If you pay court-ordered child support, but live in the barracks
or on a ship, you can still receive an allowance for child support. BAH Differential
is the difference between BAH with dependents and without dependents.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): COLA is paid to members residing in high cost of
living areas. It is based on your pay grade, years in service, and the location of your unit.

Clothing Allowance: The Coast Guard also gives you a monthly allowance to pay for the
maintenance and upkeep of your uniforms. You will not receive this until you complete 6
months in the Coast Guard.

Sea Pay: All members assigned to cutters, 65 feet or longer, receive sea pay. Sea pay is an
incentive pay that varies depending on your pay grade and years of sea service as well as the
type of cutter you are assigned to.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING APPROPRIATE

OFFICIALS OF ANY SUSPECTED ERRORS.

17
 HOUSING
Shipboard/UPH: Expect to live onboard for the first 6 months if attached to a vessel larger
than 65’. If stationed ashore you will most likely live in Unaccompanied Personnel Housing
which is dormitory style rooms.

Government Owned Housing: This housing is owned or controlled by the Coast Guard or
Department of Defense. You will not pay rent or utilities, but you will be responsible for non-
essential utilities such as phone, cable and high speed internet. An inspection is conducted at
least annually and you will be responsible for any damage above normal wear and tear.
Personnel with dependents will have the bedrooms they are entitled to base upon the number,
age and gender of eligible dependents. Personnel without dependents normally share with one
or two other members.

Leased Housing: This is when the government rents you living quarters for the member in
the civilian sector. Personnel without dependents may share with one or two roommates; you
pay for all nonessential utilities, and damages above normal wear and tear. There may be
special restriction or grounds keeping requirements and you may have to pay excessive utility
bills.

Applying for Housing: Members without dependents only need to submit a copy of your
CG-5131 (PCS orders) with your application, form CG-5267. Members with dependents will
also need copies of their BAH/Dependency form. Applications must be received by the
housing officer at least 30 days prior to arrival at your new PDS.

Fair Housing Act of 1968: The Fair Housing Act outlaws:

 The refusal to sell or rent a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion or
national origin.
 Discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin in the terms, conditions
or privilege of the sale or rental of a dwelling.
 Advertising the sale or rental of a dwelling indicating a preference of discrimination
based on race, color, religion or national origin.
 Coercing, threatening, intimidating, or interfering with a person’s enjoyment or
exercise of housing rights based on discriminatory reasons or retaliating against a
person or organization that aids or encourages the exercise or enjoyment of fair
housing rights.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: The SCRA allows individuals to break a lease when they
go onto active duty, if the lease was entered into prior to enlisting. Additionally, the act
allows a servicemember to terminate a residential lease entered into while in the military, if
the member receives permanent change of station orders (PCS), or orders to deploy for a
period of not less than 90 days. To break a lease under these provisions, the servicemember
must make the request in writing, and must include a copy of their orders.

18
 ASSIGNMENTS
When assigning personnel to units, the Coast Guard Personnel Service Center tries to match
up your desires with the needs of the Coast Guard to assign you to a unit that you desire. You
may request to be a Seaman or a Fireman; however, the needs of the service take
precedence. One of your responsibilities as a Coast Guardsman is to remain available for
worldwide assignment.

When making assignments, the Detailers at Enlisted Personnel Management (EPM) use a
system to prioritize the desires of Coast Guard rated members.

Priority 1: Overseas restricted units (LORSTA, PATFORSWA, etc)

People assigned to these units get first priority.

Priority 2: Overseas Afloat and Polar Class Icebreakers

People assigned to these units have the next priority. This category includes cutters in Alaska,
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam, as well as Polar Class icebreakers.

Priority 3: CONUS Afloat, LEDETS, Company Commanders, Recruiters

People assigned to cutters within the continental U.S., Law Enforcement Detachments, and
Company Commanders get the next priority.

Priority 4: Overseas Ashore

People assigned to shore units outside the continental U.S.

Priority 5: CONUS Ashore

Special Needs assignments:

The Special Needs program is designed to identify Coast Guard members who have needs that
can only be met in certain places. In order to be considered for assignment purposes, your
special need must be documented by the Work-Life staff at your unit. If you have a
dependent with a diagnosed and professionally documented long-term condition that falls into
the categories of medical, physical, psychological or educational. Contact your Work-Life
staff and a determination will be made on your case before you are assigned to your next unit.

19
 FLAGS AND PENNANTS

BRAVO FLAG OSCAR FLAG PAPA FLAG

Transfer of Man overboard Personnel Recall
hazardous cargo

SOPA Senior Officer PREP Pennant THIRD

Present Afloat SUBSTITUTE
Five minutes before
Most senior officer as colors Commanding Officer
commanding officer not on board

20
 COLORS
Morning Colors:
At 5 minutes before 0800, the PREP pennant is raised to the top of the crossarm. The PREP
pennant is lowered to half-mast when “Attention” is sounded. At the beginning of the music,
the national ensign is hoisted quickly and smartly to the peak or truck. When “Carry on” is
sounded signaling the end of colors, the PREP pennant is lowered all the way down. To half
mast the ensign, first hoist the ensign quickly to the truck and then lower it just as quickly to
half mast (Bottom of the blue field parallel to the crosstree).

Topping Ornament

Truck, Peak, locked position

(top)

Crossarm, Yardarm, Crosstree,

Guardarm

Halyards

Belaying pins

Pinrail

Evening Colors: At evening colors (sunset), the procedure is the same as morning colors,
except the national ensign shall be lowered at the start of the music and lowered slowly so that
it is hauled all the way down at the end of the music. When lowering from half mast, you
must first haul the national ensign smartly and quickly to the peak and then lower as
prescribed above.

21
 WQSB and DRILLS
Emergencies on board a ship require teamwork. Each person has a specific job and role that
they need to perform in order to meet and overcome any problems.

The WQSB displays the duties and responsibilities of each person during all ships drills.

Man Overboard: Prompt action is necessary when there is a person overboard. Anyone
who sees someone fall overboard should immediately sound the alarm by sounding of “MAN
OVERBOARD, PORT/STARBOARD SIDE!” Drop/throw life rings or life jackets if
possible. Try to keep the person in sight, and point in the direction of the person in the water.
If you did not make the report and the man over board alarm sounds, report to your assigned
station. A muster of the crew is held to find out who is missing.

Abandon Ship: Only the commanding officer can give the order of abandon ship. Important
information will be passed, write this on the back of your hand. Acquire the equipment you
are assigned to get and muster at your assigned raft.

Conditions of Readiness: Ships at sea and in port are always in a condition of readiness.
Coast Guard cutters normally operate under one of four different conditions.

 Condition I (General Quarters)

 Condition III (Wartime Cruising)
 Condition IV (Underway Peacetime)
 Condition V (In Port Peacetime)

General Quarters: Condition I is General Quarters (GQ); all hands at battle stations.
General Quarters is sounded whenever battle is imminent or when the highest state of
readiness to meet a threat is desired. GQ must be set in seconds, not minutes.

General Emergency: The General Emergency Bill will not give detailed duties for every
emergency, because it is impossible to prepare for all emergencies. The one thing all hands
must remember is that they must carry out all orders from persons in authority with speed and
precision. It is possible that any emergency may produce casualties; all hands must learn the
general duties and responsibilities of the person senior to them, because they may have to take
over.

22
 LEAVE AND LIBERTY
Leave: Leave is the authorized absence of an individual from a place of duty, chargeable
against the individual in accordance with applicable law. There are five types of leave
available to active duty members that are going to be covered in this workbook lesson.

 Earned Leave: Earned leave is the amount of leave that has been saved, or
accumulated to an individual’s credit, at any given date. Earned leave may indicate a
negative leave balance, but must not exceed the amount of leave a member would
normally earn during the remaining period of obligated active duty in the Coast Guard.
 Advance Leave: Advance leave is leave granted to a service member, with pay and
allowances, prior to its actual accrual based on the reasonably expectations that the
amount advanced will be earned prior to the member’s separation.
 Excess Leave: Excess leave is authorized leave over and beyond any earned or
advance leave that can be granted. You will not receive pay and/or allowances during
this leave period. A negative leave balance at the end of your enlistment is considered
excess leave and you will be charged accordingly.
 Sick Leave: Sick leave describes a period of authorized absence granted to persons
while under medical care and treatment. Sick leave is not chargeable against your
regular earned leave balance.
 Emergency Leave: May be granted to service members by the commanding officer for
emergencies within their or their spouse’s immediate family whenever the
circumstances warrant and the operational situation permits. Immediate family
includes: father, mother, spouse, children, brother, sister, or only living relative.

Liberty: Liberty is defined as any authorized absence granted for short periods to provide a
break from the working environment or for other specific reasons. Liberty is not charged as
leave. There are two types of liberty.

 Regular Liberty: Regular liberty is a period, not to exceed three days (72 hours),
commencing at the end of the normal working hours on a given day and expiring with
the start of normal working hours on the next workday.
 Special Liberty: Special liberty is granted outside regular liberty periods for unusual
reasons such as: rest after arduous duty, compensatory time off, emergencies, time for
voting, special recognition etc.

Combining Leave and Liberty: A member may not be on leave, immediately return to a
liberty status, then immediately resume leave status. There is no Leave-Liberty-Leave. You
may however be in a liberty status, commence leave and return to a liberty status. Liberty-
Leave-Liberty is authorized.

Compensatory Absence: This is a form of liberty granted to personnel serving on isolated

duty. A cumulative 2 ½ days per month, not to exceed 60 days may be authorized.

23
 WORK LIFE
The Work-Life Staff provides information that is vital to members and their families as they
face the challenges and opportunities of Coast Guard life.

The Work-Life structure consists of 15 W-L Staffs located at Base Support Units and the
Headquarters Support Commands. Staffs have a network of providers, which include
volunteers, members with collateral duties, and contracted services.

There is a single toll-free number for the entire Coast Guard: 1-800-872-4957

After this number is dialed, an operator will ask for the 3-digit number of the
appropriate W-L Staff according to region.

Location Extension
GANTSEC 426
BSU Alameda 252
BSU Boston 301
BSU Cleveland 309
BSU Honolulu 314
BSU Ketchikan 317
BSU Kodiak 563
BSU Miami 307
BSU New Orleans 308
BSU Portsmouth 305
BSU San Pedro 311
BSU Seattle 313
BSU St. Louis 302
TRACEN Cape May 629
HSC Washington, DC 932

The W-L Program covers the following support services:

 Transition/Relocation Manager
 Family Resource Specialist
 Family Advocacy Specialist
 Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
 Health Promotions Manager
 Ombudsman
 Voting Officer

The Employee Assistance Program provides a confidential professional assessment and short
term counseling and referral services to help employees with their personal, job or family
problems. Toll free number 1-800-247-8778 or WWW.CGSUPRT.COM

24
 COMMON NAUTICAL TERMS

Fore Towards the bow of the ship

Aft Towards the rear
Bow The front of the ship
Stern Back
Port Left side of the ship from the perspective of looking forward
Starboard Right side of the ship from the perspective of looking forward
Mast Vertical pole that may have a sail or rigging or antennas for powerboats
Keel Center of the hull. Lowest in water where weight is most carried
Lee Side of the vessel sheltered from wind
Windward Side of the vessel wind is coming from
Hawser Large line
Strike Lower or bring down
Aloft Above the ship’s uppermost solid structure, overhead or high above
Alongside By the side of the pier or ship
Awash So low in the water that the water is constantly washing across the service
Billet A crew members assigned duties within the ships organization
BMOW Boatswain’s mate of the watch is responsible to ensure all watches are
Properly manned and in order
Beam Greatest athwart ships width of a vessel
Brow A moveable ladder or ram used for boarding a vessel from a dock.
Centerline Imaginary line running from ship’s bow to stern
Check To slack off slowly, to ease off a line a little
Davit Shipboard crane that can be swung out over the side
EOW An officer in charge of the engineering department while on watch
Fast Snugly secured
Fathom A six foot unit of length
Fender A piece of equipment, such as an inflated ball when inserted between the
vessel and another object will absorb shock and prevent damage.
Forecastle Upper deck in the forward part of the ship, pronounced “FOKE-sul”
Gunwale Upper edge or rail of a ship or boat’s side, pronounced “GUN’nle”
Inboard Toward the center of the ship.
Outboard Away from the center of the hull.
Part To break, as of a line
Scullery Compartment for washing and sterilizing eating utensils
Turn to An order to begin work
Void An empty compartment below decks
Wake The track left in the water behind a ship
Yaw Zigzagging motion of a vessel as it is carried off its heading by strong seas

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 11 GENERAL ORDERS

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert,

and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guard house
than my own.

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.

6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me all

orders from the commanding officer, field officer of the day, officer of
the day, and officers and petty officers of the watch.

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.

9. To call the petty officer of the watch in any case not covered by
instructions.

10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.

11. To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for

challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to
allow no one to pass without proper authority.

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 SUICIDE PREVENTION HELPCARD
SUICIDE WARNING WHAT TO DO
SIGNS

 Appears depressed, sad, Provide A.I.D.

fearful, hopeless, poor
appetite, poor sleep. ASK. Don’t be afraid to ask
“Are you thinking about hurting
 Threatens suicide. yourself?”

INTERVENE Immediately.
 Talks about wanting to die
DON’T keep it a secret.
or sleep the pain away.

 Shows changes in
behavior, appearance, or
mood.
 Abuses drugs or alcohol.
 Experienced significant
loss or trauma; NJP or
legal accident.
 Deliberately injures self.
Follow the acronym
L.I.F.E
LOCATE HELP: Company
Commander, Instructor or
Permanent Party member.
INFORM: Chain of Command
of the situation.
FIND: Someone to stay with
the person. Do not leave the
person alone.

EXPEDITE: Get help

immediately, call 911
While we protect the citizens of the United States, we must
remember to also protect each other. Be aware of the warning
signs and if a shipmate is in pain, help your shipmate!

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 HAZING

Definition. Hazing is defined as any conduct whereby one military

member or employee, regardless of Service or rank, unnecessarily
causes another military member or employee, regardless of Service or
rank, to suffer or be exposed to an activity that is cruel, abusive,
oppressive, or harmful. Soliciting or coercing another to conduct such
activity also constitutes hazing. This policy applies to all personnel at
all times, on or off duty, at sea or ashore, on or off base.

Every Coast Guard member must inform the appropriate authorities of

each suspected violation of the policy.

Reporting Procedure of hazing or suspected hazing while in recruit

training:

 May be reported to your Company Commander without fear of

reprisal.
 Recruits who feel they cannot discuss this matter with their
Company Commander should approach any of the following
members:
 Instructor
 Section Commander
 Chaplain
 Battalion Commander
 Command Master Chief
 Work Life staff

Hazing is contrary to our Core Values of Honor, Respect, and

Devotion to Duty. It negatively impacts esprit de corps. There is no
place in the Coast Guard for dehumanizing treatment, and any incident
of hazing shall be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action
shall be initiated against the perpetrators.

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 RECRUIT SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE
RESOURCES

RESTRICTED REPORTING is available for service members who

desire medical treatment and counseling WITHOUT triggering the
official Coast Guard investigation process and notification of the
victims command. Victims CANNOT disclose the assault to an active
duty member. They must report the matter ONLY to an:

 Employee Assistance Program Coordinator/Sexual Assault

Response Coordinator: (609) 898-6731w/(609) 846-6418c
 Family Advocacy Specialist/ backup Sexual Assault Response
Coordinator: (609) 898-6925w/(609) 675-1720c
 TRACEN Medical Clinic: (609) 898-6610/6366 (duty and after
hours)
 Chaplain: (609) 898-6239
 SAFE HELPLINE AVAILABLE 24/7 FOR VICTIMS OF
SEXUAL ASSAULT:
a. Chat at www.Safehelpline.Org or call 877‐995‐5247
b. Text location to 55‐247 inside the United States

UNRESTRICTED REPORTING is when a service member desires

medical treatment, counseling, and an official investigation of his or
her allegation. Report the matter using your chain of command. Once
a Coast Guard official receives a report that a sexual assault has
occurred they SHALL report it to their command.

 CG SUPRT: 855-CGSUPRT (247-8778) www.cgsuprt.com

 Cape Regional Medical Center: (609) 463-2000
 Company Commanders/Chain of Command

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